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Sunday, April 29, 2012

KS Augustin
offered me an exclusive first look at the cover for her latest romantic SF and
I was all like, where do I sign??!!

BALANCE OF
TERROR (Sandal Press) is a novel-length ebook. It’s the sequel to INENEMY HANDS and is the conclusion of Moon Thadin and Srin Flerovs's
adventures. You’ll be able to get your virtual hands on a copy this summer, but
for now, check out the story blurb and dynamite cover:

Save one man? Or save billions? It’s Moon’s choice.

Stellar physicist Moon Thadin and amnesiac savant Srin Flerovs are on their
way to possible sanctuary with an old research partner of Moon’s. But between
them and safety lie a cunning arms dealer, a suspicious pirate captain, and a
universe of unfamiliarity.

Refusing to turn her research into a weapon, Moon and Srin outran the
Republic in IN ENEMY HANDS, only to find that the anti-Republic rebels
they’re heading for want her knowledge for the same reason and they’re
willing to trade critical gene therapy for it. Withhold the therapy and Srin
will die. Share the research and billions will die.

This is a striking cover. It’s like Cirque du Soleil-meets-METROPOLIS (the
original)! The cool tones and starry backdrop promise SF while the image
representing the heroine promises the romance/relationship/sensual elements. And
yay for another heroine-centric cover! The overall image puts me in a
contemplative mood, which is right in line with the author’s writing style.

The BALANCE OF TERROR cover demonstrates how creative one can get with stock
images. Now I’m spoiled because I want to see more like it, especially for
sci-fi romances that are heavier on the SF elements. Risky, edgy, quirky—I say
let’s go for it! I realize there’s a danger in standing out, but on the other
hand, SFR might get lost in the crowd if it follows the beaten cover path.

Tell me what you think about this cover. Does it meet your
expectations for an SFR/romantic SF cover? Why or why not?

About Me

Heather’s debut sci-fi romance novel, Once Upon a Time in Space, features the last living descendant of Christopher Columbus on a desperate quest to find a new world. Standing in his way is Raquel, the deadliest space pirate in the galaxy.